Chester (Nova Scotia)

Chester is a village in Nova Scotia founded in 1759 during the French and Indian War. It played host to several historically important instances during the American Revolution (see: Rouge Ruse) and the War of 1812. Today, because of its stunning location on the St.Margaret's Bay, the village is a vacation and resort destination and so has a large number of businesses which operate on a seasonal basis.

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Chester is situated about 65 km southwest of Halifax in Nova Scotia's South Shore region.
The most efficient way to reach Chester, and Chester Basin is by Car. Rental cars are available at the Halifax International Airport or from many locations in Halifax or Dartmouth. If you are driving to Chester, you can either take Highway 103 south from Halifax, which will mean about a 45 minute drive to reach Chester (Exit number 8). The alternative is to take the much more scenic St. Margaret's Bay Road, which follows the coastline and passes through beautiful seaside towns like Hubbards on it's winding route to Chester. As you can imagine, this route is a bit longer (plan for at least an hour and a half), but the payoff is some of the most spectacular vistas you can find in Nova Scotia as you wind along the south shore of the province.

If you don't have a car, another alternative is the Acadian lines bus service that leaves from Halifax along the South Shore of Nova Scotia Daily (Booking inquiries: 1-800-567-5151).

Without a car your options will be seriously limited in Chester. This small village does not have an existing form of public transport.

If you are really in a pinch to get somewhere and you don't have a car (or a friend to call), then there is a taxi service that operates a few cabs in the south shore of Nova Scotia (South Shore Taxi - 1 902 277 2727). Be aware that there are a limited number of available cars and book ahead.

The main draw in Chester is of course the views of the beautiful St. Margaret's Bay. This island dotted cove is a nautical dream, and when in the village of Chester, you will never be more then a short distance from a viewpoint overlooking the ocean.

Other than this obvious draw there are many other hidden gems to be found. In the center of town there is a very nice little theatre, the Chester Playhouse. Located on the aptly named Pleasant Street, the playhouse often runs local small budget productions by local artists throughout the summer. You can check the website for more information (Chester Playhouse[1]). A short drive (10mins) outside Chester to the north, you can also find Graves Island. The island is connected to the mainland via a driving bridge. Once there you can wander freely and enjoy the calm serenity and scenery on this island park.

Finally, the ocean views may be what attract visitors to Chester, but it's the coastal charm that keeps them coming back. Take time to walk the streets and look at the beautiful Cape Cod style houses, many of which are protected historic properties dating to the 19th century.

This villiage is really made for relaxing strolls and lazy afternoons. But if you feel like you need to plan some activities, there are plenty of options:

Drive. If you have a car, then you should take advantage and drive the South Shore. Heading south from Chester along St. Margaret's Bay Road you can continue through the towns of Chester Basin, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Bridgewater, and eventually Liverpool. To do all of these in one day would be a serious drive, as you will want to stop and take some time to enjoy each, but it would certainly be a day well spent. Alternatively, you can head north in the direction of Halifax (if you didn't already arrive this way) and follow the St. Margaret's Bay road in that direction through East Chester, Blandford, Hubbards, and Peggy's Cove. Finally, if you want to see something less coastal you can take highway 14 (called "Windsor Road" by locals from Chester and "Chester Road" by locals from Windsor) through to the town of Windsor, and see more of countryside that supports the farming and lumber economies in Nova Scotia.edit

Take the Tankook Ferry, (The terminal is on the public warf located on Water Street). If you are interested in visiting one of the islands you see off the coast of Chester than this is a must. With stops at both Big and Little Tankook islands, you will have an opportunity to see what island life is like. Be aware that the ferry generally has 2 runs from each stop every morning and 2 every afternoon, with the last ferry generally leaving the island at 4:30pm!edit

Go to the Beach. If you are looking to get in the water, there are several options. In Chester, there is a small public beach located on Peninsula Rd. next to the bridge connecting the penninsula to the mainland. Other than that you will have to leave Chester to find any sandy beaches, the closest (and generally considered the nicest as well) is Queensland Beach[2] located off St. Margaret's Bay Rd. close to Hubbards (about 25-45minutes drive depending on route).edit

Chester Race Week, [3]. If you have the opportunity to be in Chester in early to mid August, then you are in luck. Every year, the village hosts Chester Race Week, an international sailing regatta that attracts hopeful competitors from all along the eastern coast of Canada and the United States as well as some competitors from further abroad. The races themselves are always exciting, but the highlight is the celebration on the last day, which is headlined by festivities hosted at the local Yacht Club located on South St.edit

Chester Golf club, (located on Golf Course Rd, of course), [4]. If you are a golf fan, look into the Chester Golf Club, the challenging (but not too challenging) course, offers some of the best ocean vistas the village has to offer.edit

There are of course plenty of other things to do in town, and with a little research you will be able to plan a relaxing, fun, and maybe even adventurous holiday.

You will find plenty of your standard nautical novelty souvenirs in Chester, as you will in any of the towns that dot the South Shore. However, if you have a little extra to spend, and want to get something special, look to some of the local artists making hand made crafts. Some of the more notable options are found along Pleasant and Duke Streets. The Valverde Studio Gallery[5], Chez Glass Lass, and Light my Fire studio have all become particular favorites of visiting tourists.

There are plenty of great places to eat in Chester, and if you were so inclined, you could certainly pass a vacation sampling the different restaurants, pubs, bakeries, and cafes the villiage has on offer. A few that should not be passed up are:

The Rope Loft. Situated on a dock jutting out into the front harbour, this seasonal pub/restaurant is a great place to relax at night enjoying a pint of Keith's and a some local seafood.edit

The Fo'c'sle Tavern, 42 Queen St Chester, NS B0J 1J0, Canada. The dining area has been renovated in the last few years, but this tavern still kept all it's charm. More popular with locals than the Rope Loft, this centrally located tavern offers many of the same options as the Rope loft with a more pub like feel.edit

The Kiwi cafe, (Across from the Chester Playhouse). If you are looking for a light lunch or a coffee and a snack, this bright and airy cafe is a great stop.edit

Julien's Bakery. If you are dreaming of something a bit more European, stop into Julien's where they offer up freshly baked pastries, breads and deserts every day.edit

Like any small town in Nova Scotia, Chester has a few watering holes available to the weary traveller and friendly local alike.

The Fo'c'sle Tavern, 42 Queen St Chester, NS B0J 1J0, Canada. known locally as the "living room" of Chester, this tavern, which also has a pretty nice dining room, doubles as an after work gathering place for locals looking to unwind after a day of work. You can usually find good conversation, friendly people, and maybe even some live music.edit

Feaver & Co., 4080 Hwy 3, Chester, Nova Scotia B0J1J0, ☎902-277-3332. This sports bar is a reletively new addition to Chester. it is a great place to watch the hockey game and possibly catch a live music act.edit

The Rope Loft, 36 Water, Chester, NS B0J 1J0, Canada, ☎1 902-275-3430. Restaurant by day, pub by night. Like the Fo'c'sle, this is a great place to stop for a pint and enjoy the sun setting over the Atlantic.edit

There are plenty of options to stay in Chester, the best being at one of the plethora of B&Bs that dot the area. They are long on charm, and will not stretch your budget too badly. Some other options however, include:

Haddon Hall, Haddon Hill Chester, NS, Canada. This Luxury Inn was built in 1905 in the Victorian style. Today the lucky traveller who can afford it will be treated to spectacular views from it's prime location on Haddon Hill, overlooking St. Margaret's Bay.edit

WindJammer Motel, 4070 Highway#3 Chester, NS B0J 1J0, Canada, ☎1 902-275-3567. This budget motel is within walking distance of the center of the village. Don't expect much, but if you are trying to save some money, this motel is well situated to allow you to enjoy your time in Chester.edit

Grave's Island Provincial Park Campground, (Route 3, 5 km / 3 mi south of Highway 103, Exit 7 west). The campground is located on the back end of the island and has sites available with hook-ups and without.edit

The Mecklenburgh Inn, P.O. Box 350, Chester BOJ 1JO, ☎1-902-275-4638, [6]. Located close to the heart of downtown Chester, this historic property was built in 1902. Today, a stay in this lovely B&B will feature breakfast made every morning by a trained cordon bleu chef!edit

The Chester and Area Visitor Information Center is located on 20 Smith Road in Chester, in a converted ralway station. The staff there can provide you with information on events and attractions in the area.

It is recommended that anyone visiting Chester plans to take a few drives and visit some of the other towns along the South Shore. Some of the higlights of any such trip would include the beautiful rocky coastlines of Peggys Cove, The UNESCO world heritage village of Lunenburg, or the quaint small town of Liverpool

If you are leaving by plane from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, then it is recommended that you budget an hour and a half for the drive from Chester to the airport. And although traffic is not generally much of a concern, the morning rush (from 7-9am on weekdays) can sometimes slow traffic on highway 103 between Tantallon and Halifax.

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